Stabilizing clay soil for construction can be challenging due to its unique properties. Swelling, low bearing capacity when wet, poor drainage, difficulty in compaction, and sensitivity to weather changes are key issues.
2. Dry soil may face load-bearing
issues.
Highly moist soil may struggle to
compact and require drying.
Sticky and rut-prone soil complicates
construction.
Lack of strength requires soil modification
for stability.
Variety of Soil Issues:
Sticky and Rut-Prone Soil:
3. Swelling and Shrinkage: Clay expands and contracts,
causing road surface issues.
Low Bearing Capacity: Wet clay has low bearing
capacity, unsuitable for heavy loads.
Poor Drainage: Retains water, softening roadbed and
causing instability.
Why Is Clay Soil Hard To
Build Roads On?
4. Soil Classification:
Key property
guiding stabilizer
selection for
road
construction.
Road Building Strategies:
Engineers use various
methods: soil stabilization,
aggregates,
geosynthetics, or polymer
stabilizers.
Choosing The Right Soil
Stabilizer For Clay Soil:
5. Chemical Stabilization:
Lime and cement alter clay
properties.
Lime increases strength,
reduces plasticity; cement
enhances load-bearing
capacity.
Mechanical Stabilization:
Blend clay with aggregates
like gravel or crushed stones.
Improves drainage, increases
load-bearing capacity, and
reduces sensitivity to moisture
changes.
Soil Stabilization Methods:
